Is there anything as iconic as a Treasure Chest? You can find them in almost every fantasy adventure game out there, not just in the Zelda series. Majora’s Mask features traditional Treasure Chests, the kind that play that triumphant melody when opened. This has always been synonymous with Zelda, even long after that tune was exchanged for something shorter.
Majora’s Mask is also home to the Treasure Chest Shop. Situated in East Clock Town, this building is a piece of whimsy that stands out amidst the darkness of the game.
In the original Majora’s Mask, it looks nearly identical to our beloved Treasure Chest, scaled up to the size of a large building. It’s almost comically big — compared to all the other single-use buildings in Clock Town, it might be the largest. It has a stained-glass door and no windows to speak of. The Majora’s Mask 3D version has a little crown-shaped sign, but no further additions beyond that. East Clock Town’s bunting is tied to the roof, and posters advertising the Treasure Chest Game are pasted onto the walls. These posters are weathered and torn in places, probably not new ones intended for the Carnival.
The shop itself sits opposite Honey and Darling’s Shop and the Shooting Gallery. The other two buildings sharing the square are the Milk Bar and Stockpot Inn. This seems to make East Clock Town the tourist or entertainment district.
Inside the Treasure Chest Shop is a feast for the eyes. Bright, garish colors and patterns tile the entryway. These contrast sharply with the checkered floor of the game room itself. The black and white give it the look of a chess board, though you certainly need to move faster than you would in a chess game. The overall impression is very showy, fitting the Carnival atmosphere to a tee. The interior of the Treasure Chest feels cavernous, and running across the squares at Link’s usual size and speed makes it feel even bigger. Of course, a quick Mask change will do more for Link’s chances than it really should!
Even our Treasure Chest Shop Gal has a whimical aesthetic, unlike any other character in this game. With her crop top, leggings, and blue hair, she stands apart from the crowd in Termina.
This is one of my favorite buildings, because it’s weird in a way that’s different compared to the usual weirdness of Majora’s Mask. It doesn’t have a giant hook on its roof, or a secret infestation of spider-men. It’s just a giant Treasure Chest with a giant board game inside.
